Life in the rat race can be tough, whether you’re rushing from meeting to meeting or stuck in commuter traffic, your hectic schedule will eventually take its toll on your energy levels. To ease these everyday stresses and strains, it’s important to make time for some much needed R&R.
Luckily, the UK boasts some of Europe’s best luxury spa retreats and with so many to choose from, we’ve asked The Spa Spy to recommended her favourite spa hotels within three hours of Birmingham.
Dating right back to the 14th century and set in 220 acres of stunning Cotswolds countryside, the former farmhouse and spa offer an idyllic laid backcountry escape. Individually styled luxury rooms and cottages scatter the impeccably manicured grounds. Family favourable – the wonderful Playzone Barn is a perfect place to leave little ones whilst grown-ups spa.
Fringed with fragrant lavender and rosemary gardens, a state of the art spa, offering seven treatments rooms, steam rooms, a 16-metre indoor pool, nail bar, and spa cafe. Laze in the spa’s pièce de résistance – a bubbling courtyard hot tub complete with a cosy open log fire – where your therapist will bring you a juice or glass of fizz to quaff alfresco, pre or après treatment…
A member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of The World, the 17th century grey stone mansion, set in 500 acres of parkland, feels like the backdrop to a romantic period drama. Inside you’ll find opulent Georgian-inspired drawing rooms, Chesterfield sofas, open fires and creative floral displays. Venture outside to discover the equestrian centre, walled kitchen garden and tennis courts. The Michelin-starred Park Restaurant is the cherry on the cake at this top-notch retreat.
Housed within the pretty walled rose garden, Lucknam’s state of the art spa boasts a 20-metre indoor-outdoor saltwater pool, a hydro-jet pool and thermal cabins featuring Japanese Salt and Amethyst. There’s also a Wellbeing House offering Yoga and Pilates classes, Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy, and dry floatation. Visiting masters offer bespoke retreats thought the year.
Otherwise known as London’s country estate, The Grove is a popular choice for city slickers, well-healed families and London’s A-list. Set in 300 acres of woodland, dotted with an orangery and magical gardens, the grand house, annexe and spa are surrounded by an award-winning golf course – chosen fairway of Cameron and Obama’s well-publicised jaunt. Peruse the grounds and you may stumble upon The Grove’s secret urban beach…
The Sequoia Spa is set in a tranquil walled garden, a short stroll or buggy ride from the main house. Inside you’ll find a wonderful black mosaic pool, Jacuzzi, steam & sauna rooms and a saline vitality jet pool. Facilities also include twelve Asian-inspired treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor relaxation rooms, a nail bar, fitness suite and juice bar.
A favourite hangout amongst Premier League footballers, rock stars and the city’s movers and shakers, the contemporary designer hotel with super-sleek interiors sits right in the centre Manchester. Set on the north side with views of the River Irwell, The Lowry is geographically located in Salford, birthplace of the artist himself.
The urban-chic, buzzing city spa, is the first UK hotel spa to feature the award-winning QMS Medicosmetics Skincare & Spa Treatment Collection. Facilities include six treatment rooms – including a couple’s suite – a sauna, relaxation areas and a spa café. A colonic hydrotherapy clinic is offered five days a week.
Perched on the borders of Windsor Great Park, a country playground for London’s elite – Princes Harry and William have been spotted on more than one occasion competing on the estate’s polo field – the stunning Georgian style mansion house, dotted with colourful English country gardens and meadows is set amongst 240 acres. With pursuits on offer such as polo, croquet and tennis it’s a quintessential high-class escape.
The majestic spa at Coworth Park boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding parkland. Flooded with natural light, styled with crisp contemporary furnishings and scattered with art and sculptures, facilities include an 18-metre pool (with underwater music) aromatic steam, experience showers, manicure and pedicure stations, a sun terrace, Techogym and Spatisserie.
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